l i a r s and t h i e v e s {Ezrabel}

[nyte]
Head RP Tutor

4,678 POSTS

Pronouns: he/him
last seen Nov 15, 2024 13:09:48 GMT -5

oof

l i a r s and t h i e v e s {Ezrabel} Jun 13, 2014 4:46:02 GMT -5

Post by [nyte] on Jun 13, 2014 4:46:02 GMT -5

{i really fucked it up this time;

"How are you going to get back to Five?" It was a good question, I didn't really know the answer to.

"I dunno." my tone is noncommittal, to be honest I was just thinkin' I could show up at the train and hope for the best. "I'll take care of it little man, don't you worry." He wasn't happy with the answer and I knew it, but that was all he was gonna get from me. No matter how hard he poked an' prodded, my mouth was closed tight.

Our time there passed quickly. No one noticed when I stopped luggin' the water to and fro and tended to the cows with Eza. We didn't talk much, an' I was glad. After the fiasco which was our reunion I wasn't eager to let myself get carried away once more. He says no. I'd have to remind myself, every time I caught my eyes lingerin' where they shouldn't. He doesn't want you. The oblivious bastard was more than I could handle, seemin' as he thought nothing had changed 'tween us. Still going on like we were the best of friends. Like one of us wasn't head over heels. Could only smile and nod, an' hope he never caught me lookin' when I wasn't s'posed to. He slept in his quarters, I slept in mine. Don't think I was ever more lonely than these past days the few hours I was away from him.

Finally we reached our last days of workin' in that wretched district. I was so fuckin' tired of those damned cows if I ever saw another I'd bash its head against a wall. ~~Nicely as I could, of course~~. Ever the pessimist, Eza was sure I'd be arrested the moment I set foot in the train leadin' back to Five. I told him to shut it. Salmon tucked away in my bag, we made our way down to the station in nervous silence. Standin' in an orderly line, waitin' to get our blood taken by a somewhat disgruntled lookin' peacekeeper. Pattin' Ezabel's shoulder in as brotherly a way as I could manage I sent him ahead a' me. If I was about to get my ass kicked, I didn't want him watchin'.

A smile dances across my lips as I watch the little man duck into the train's cabin. "Arm please." the peacekeeper narrows his eyes at me. I do as I'm told, actin' like a good little boy tryna better humanity. I've never much liked needles, so seein' that hollow shaft sink into my flesh made me more than uncomfortable. Once my blood's run through the system, he squints. My heart beat rivals that of a stampede 'till he speaks. "Been skipping out on your ID photo, Ezra?" I give only a nervous laugh as reply. "Go on ahead, but come next reaping I'd better not be looking at an eight year old's photo, you hear me boy?"

I can only nod through the relief that's overwhelmed me. I'm going home.

When I enter the cabin, I rush to Ezabel's side, giving him a sly wink before sinking into the seat next to him. "Told ya." His only response is to grab my hand, leavin' my cheeks a deep red color. Takes all my will power to keep my eyes facin' forward, knowin' that if I looked at him I simply couldn't stop myself. Nonetheless I didn't pull away, I allowed his hand to stay in mine the whole ride home. I truly felt it too, felt at home. Comfortable and happier than I've ever felt.

Always a traitor, Salmon sneaks outa my 'pack and onto Eza's lap. Sighin' heavily, I let him be. Always had a love, hate relationship, Salmon and I. He was far too laid back for the likes of me, who is quite obviously anything but. Still loved him though, better not forget that I was the one who raised him for the better part of the year, making sure that his fat ass was kept well fed.

I don't know if I'll miss anythin' in District Four. Maybe the ocean, the few friends I made. But it was nothin' like I wanted it to be. Peace wasn't an option there, an' peace was what I wanted more than anything. Not a borin' life mind you, but one free of the hardships I'd been livin' as of late. Save up enough to buy an apartment, see if Ezabel ever wanted to move outa that Ms. Bo's place and in with me. Though in retrospect that may cause more hardship than it's worth. At the very least he's in my life. He's truly all that matters to me. Well, he an' Salmon, but that fat traitor don't deserve to be mentioned. The train's humming lulls me into a stupor. Head bobbin' up and down with the train's rhythmic bouncing.

"Everybody out!" A shrill tone breaks my pleasant sleep. We'd arrived. My heart is all aflutter and my eyes can't seem ta focus. After so long, I was back. I was home.

"C'mon. I pull Ezabel outa the train, onto the foreboding streets once more. "This'us your territory now. Figure we'll head over to Ms. Bo an' get you warm n' fed."

This all feels like a dream, my only anchor to reality Eza's sweaty palm against my own.

Home.

\

the m o o n controls the t i d e, it could cause you to d r o w n

Python
Retired Staff

4,515 POSTS

Pronouns: She/Her
last seen Oct 27, 2024 23:26:22 GMT -5

l i a r s and t h i e v e s {Ezrabel} Jun 13, 2014 22:58:08 GMT -5

Post by Python on Jun 13, 2014 22:58:08 GMT -5

E Z A B E L

Ezra's blood was the ticket to home. He was an illegal resident in Four, but his blood told the Peacekeepers in Ten a different story. His true identity belonged in Five, and therefore he was admitted onto the train and had appeared by Ezabel’s side to sit with him as they returned to their home. He felt his chest soaring at the thought, and grabbed Ezra's hand to help contain his excitement. He was giddy the entire way home – not more than a few hours of feeling the hum of the train in his bones and watching the trees pass by in green blurs. After eight years of believing Ezra’s death it felt surreal to be sitting right next to him, knowing that he would be able to spend the rest of his life with him. He wouldn’t be alone in the District anymore. His dwindling hope had returned, and it was here to stay.

Once the train slowed to a halt they were ushered out in a single file line, the Peacekeepers silent in their duties instead of announcing any goodbyes or thank yous. Ezabel figured the gratitude of the suffering citizens in Ten was enough of a reward, not to mention the free bowls of stew and the clean mattresses he had slept in. It had been exactly like a vacation to him. There was labor involved, of course, examining cows for sickness and cleanings their kennels, but it was worth the sweating and the odors. He had sensed Ezra’s dislike of the poor creatures; they were rather noisy with their grunts and moans, and they definitely didn’t smell fresh. Some of them slobbered a lot due to their illnesses, but Ezabel enjoyed working in the barns. It was sheltered there, away from the sweltering sun and its deadly rays. Some of the kids on the train were burnt red to a crisp or colored with awkward tan lines. He was more than grateful to have been assigned to an inside job, especially when they allowed Ezra to join him.

”C’mon,” he heard his best friend mutter, an arm leading him out of the train and back into the humid climate of District Five. He could hear the aggressive shouts of impatient Peacekeepers ordering kids to exit the train faster. Why were they in such a rush? Ezabel tore his eyes away; it wasn’t important. The train would be shipped off to the Capitol anyway, and he would never ride in its cushioned seats again or taste that delicious foreign food in Ten. It was such a nice place despite the heavy drought. The poverty was more severe, but it was still a nice visit, especially since he had been reunited with Ezra.

”This'us your territory now. Figure we'll head over to Ms. Bo an' get you warm n' fed."

Then he remembered. Uh oh.

”Yeah,” he muttered meekly. He had forgotten about that nasty lie, his attempt to mask the truth of his homelessness in order to appease a troubled soul. At the time he hadn’t imagined that Ezra would manage to sneak back into the District so slyly. He hadn’t considered the blood. What am I going to do? Ms. Bo was dead and gone, probably buried after a short funeral. Ezra is going to be furious. But he was going to have to come clean sometime, there was no avoiding that.

He led Ezra down streets and through alleyways. He wouldn’t catch on until they found what he was looking for: a tent hidden next to an abandoned warehouse in the grass. Inside was one blanket and one pillow, a pillow with mysterious stains (it wasn’t him, he had discovered it like that) and a tear in one corner, and then a blanket that reeked of cat pee. It wasn’t much, but he could be worse off. As they reached the little erected structure he slowed his pace to a hesitant walk. The tent was green and could fit three full-grown boys if they really tried, so it would suit the both of them. It was the tantrum he was worried about.

He cleared his throat and turned around expectantly. He didn’t know how to start this confession, and he didn’t know how quickly Ezra was going to catch on. Would he ask why they were there, or would he immediately sniff out the lie and bury it in his snapping teeth when he shouted at him? Fortunately the warehouse was quite a ways away from civilization. Nobody would hear the screaming or the arguing.

template by chelsey

Last Edit: Jun 13, 2014 23:04:11 GMT -5 by Python

[nyte]
Head RP Tutor

4,678 POSTS

Pronouns: he/him
last seen Nov 15, 2024 13:09:48 GMT -5

oof

l i a r s and t h i e v e s {Ezrabel} Jun 14, 2014 5:54:12 GMT -5

Post by [nyte] on Jun 14, 2014 5:54:12 GMT -5

{i really fucked it up this time;

He leads me down various alleyways, 'till civilization had long since disappeared. Where the fuck did this Ms. Bo live? All I could see in front've us was a warehouse and some shithole tent hidden in the grass. The fuck was Eza gettin' at? Surely this was some kinda joke. And it wasn't fuckin' funny, not in the slightest. "Haha." I speak the words instead of actually laughin' cause I don't think I'd be able to even if I tried. "Very funny Eza, let's go-"

It hits me like a pile o' bricks. Leavin' me feel the worst I have since findin' Ezabel again. "Oh." It was all I could manage in my shock. My eyes dart between the tent an' Eza, realization bringin' with it white hot anger. "You little FUCKER!" The last word is a hoarse scream, sendin' Salmon scampering into the tent. My hands wrap around his shoulders, an' it takes all my willpower to be as gentle as I could. "There is no Ms. Bo, is there?" I know he done expected this. He knew my temper better than anyone and he'd still lied through his goddamned teeth. "HOW THE FUCK DID YOU THINK YOU COULD KEEP THIS FROM ME YOUR IGNORANT LITTLE BASTARD!" I wasn't angry at him, I don't think I could ever be angry at my little man, but holy shit the guilt might as well've ripped my heart outta my chest.

"YOU'VE BEEN LIVIN' ON THE GODDAMNED STREETS LIKE A BUM?! FOR HOW LONG EZABEL? HOW FUCKING LONG?" I'm sceamin' something awful, an' I swear to ripred I'll make my throat bleed, but lordy I ain't done yet. "YOU COULDA DIED OR GOTTEN SICK AND WHERE WOULD THAT'VE LEFT ME YOU SELFISH LITTLE SHIT?" I was bein' simply unreasonable, how was he to know I was still kickin'? But I'm too angry to care. I release his shoulders, rummagin' through his "home". "I FUCKIN' DOUBT YOU GOTTA CAT THAT PISSED ON THIS BLANKET." I chuck the smelly thing as far as I could. How could I have allowed him to like in this... squalor? For who fuckin' knows how long. It's my fault. All my fault. "YOU'RE A FUCKIN' BASTARD YOU KNOW THAT? HOW DARE YOU! HOW DARE YOU-" the last word breaks off into a sob, leavin' me to crumple to the ground in a mess of anger and sorrow.

My head is buried deep into my hands, tears leavin' wet trails down my cheeks. I had to find him a home. He wasn't allowed to live like me. Wasn't allowed to be corrupted by the streets an' become a hardened jackass. Eza was too sweet for this, he deserved so much better. "It was always my worst fear." My voice is hollow, unseein' eyes fixated upon the ground. "That you'd end up like me. Don't you dare say it ain't that bad 'cause I've been livin' on the streets too. No wonder you're so scrawny." I pound my palm against my forehead, punishin' myself for ruinin' his life like this.

Numb fingers tear out tufts of grass, flinging them violently at the ground. "Can you find it in you to forgive me for all this, Little Man?" I can't stand to yell at him no more, not when I was really only angry at myself. He shouldn't forgive me, he knows it and so do I. I'm the fuckin' scum of the Earth compared to him. If I hadn't've left like I did, maybe I wouldn't be such a bastard. Maybe the kindness he seemed filled with woulda rubbed off on me and I wouldn't have ruined both of our lives like this. If I wasn't so convinced I knew everythin' at age eight we'd have a happy home.

And maybe... maybe Ezabel would love me the way I love him. The deep burnin' passion which causes me so much pain right now. The yearnin' to be close to him, but knowin' that I've never done anything good for him. That if I'd never existed at all, he'd be better off. Have a home, maybe a pretty girl on his arm. He woulda been able to read and write and would do something fantastic with his life like he was destined to. And not live on the streets like... like me.

But I know full well I'm never leavin' him again. 'Cause that's what I want. 'Cause I can't bring myself to leave a boy who'll never feel the same way about me as I do him.

'Cause I'm a fuckin' fool.

\

the m o o n controls the t i d e, it could cause you to d r o w n

Python
Retired Staff

4,515 POSTS

Pronouns: She/Her
last seen Oct 27, 2024 23:26:22 GMT -5

l i a r s and t h i e v e s {Ezrabel} Jun 14, 2014 13:47:59 GMT -5

Post by Python on Jun 14, 2014 13:47:59 GMT -5

E Z A B E L

The thunder of the oncoming storm drove little Salmon into the empty tent, his scurries swift but not unseen. As guilt dragged his heart down like an anchor he watched Ezra’s expression morph and twist into a disguise of hatred fueled by steaming rage, anticipating the inevitable lecture. The next few minutes would be Hell, because he knew his best friend’s temper better than anyone. Even when they were eight years old he was dynamite waiting to be ignited, and very few could handle it. He hadn’t changed a bit in that respect. ”There is no Ms. Bo, is there?" A pair of hands grabbed his shoulders roughly in a death grip that would leave bruises if he wasn’t careful, forcing Ezabel to face his own mistake headstrong and without a chance of escape.

”There is, she just died about a year ago.” He insisted, because that aspect of his lie was actually true. Not that it would matter much to Ezra in the midst of a rant. He was spitting like a snake and screaming at a pitch that made Ezabel cringe. It sounded so hoarse that he expected Ezra to start coughing blood from the damage he was inflicting on his throat. That was another big difference between the present and the past; when they were children Ezra had never sounded intimidating with a child’s squeak-toy voice, but now that he was past puberty his voice was actually scary. Or maybe he was just being a wimp. But this wimp isn’t going to cry, not today. Today he would stand defiantly.

He didn’t try to slip another word in. Instead he waited until Ezra released him and smoothed the wrinkles in his shirt with his palms, watching the angry body vanish into his tent where poor Salmon was seeking silence and solitude. He had only been on the streets for a year. That wasn’t so bad, right? Ezra was overreacting. ”I FUCKIN' DOUBT YOU GOTTA CAT THAT PISSED ON THIS BLANKET." He reappeared with Ezabel’s only possession (besides the tent and the disheveled pillow) and hurled it as far as he could into the grass. At this, Ezabel gasped and chased after it. ”That’s my only blanket!” he exclaimed, picking it up and dusting the grass blades off of it. It was bad enough that the darn thing smelled like cat pee all the time, he didn’t need dirt or grass stains on it. It didn’t need to be ruined even more. He felt his own blood start to boil as he marched back to his tent, disregarding the rest of Ezra’s shouts.

His best friend was in a crumpled ball by the time he shoved his bundled blanket back where it belonged. He could see the tears trailing his cheeks and hear the ache in his voice, and although he still felt guilt tugging at his chest it was his turn to embrace the anger. ”It really isn’t that bad, Ezra. There are soup kitchens I go to, I get fed well enough.” He crossed his arms and continued to stand, towering over him like the height difference would make him stronger. ”I’m not that helpless, you know.” He sounded more grumpy than angry, he realized. Maybe that was it, maybe the heat in his skin was just a faint trace of bitterness after hearing Ezra’s rage. It always left him in a bad mood.

He finally sighed and sat down next to him, watching him tear apart the grass like nature deserved punishment more than Ezabel did. He was asking for forgiveness like he always did. Even when they were kids it was a similar process – vent, then regret. ”Of course,” he said, draping his arm over Ezra’s shoulder. He could hear Salmon rummaging through the tent behind them, probably rubbing his head against the sides or something. Home sweet home. ”I always forgive you.”

template by chelsey

Last Edit: Jun 14, 2014 13:51:43 GMT -5 by Python

[nyte]
Head RP Tutor

4,678 POSTS

Pronouns: he/him
last seen Nov 15, 2024 13:09:48 GMT -5

oof

l i a r s and t h i e v e s {Ezrabel} Jun 17, 2014 23:53:58 GMT -5

Post by [nyte] on Jun 17, 2014 23:53:58 GMT -5

{i really fucked it up this time;

Ezabel standin' up for himself was probably the most attractive thing I ever saw. Just about had to keep myself from swooning as he told me off. My heart only raced faster when his arm wrapped around my shoulders. Makin' me feel more than whole again. I allow myself to cling to Eza, only for a second, and squeeze 'im lightly. The tears gently comin' to a halt. "I always forgive you." I really hoped that was true. 'Cause I couldn't stand the thought of him hatin' me.

My arms fall awkwardly to my side, ducking under Eza's as I stand up again. "Keep that in mind." I mutter, realizing what I did wasn't gonna get me in his good favor. "Thought I was gonna be livin' alone. Out on the streets." I rush into an explanation for possibly the most selfish thing I ever did. But, I regret it even less after seein' poor Ezabel's living conditions.

Once again I'm in the tent, pulling that wretched blanket out from under Salmon. "This thing ain't even that warm." Holdin' it between my forefinger and thumb like some contaminated cloth. "Gonna get you sick ." I can't decide whether I'm scoldin' him, or making excuses. Nonetheless it's on the ground in a second, my heel pressin' it into the grass.

"You see-" I swing my bag into front've me, pullin' out the quilt I'd stashed inside. It'd been easy, really. Told the cleaning staff I'd put it in the bin and forgot to bring it back. "I've got somethin' a little better." Honestly, I wasn't sure whether to be proud, or ashamed of myself. Nonetheless I place it into Eza's home, folding it gently and scratching a whining Salmon behind the ears.

As for that pillow, he could use me instead. Not that I said that aloud. Maybe this wouldn't be too terrible. 'Course I was upset he'd been sleepin' on the streets. Even madder he lied to me. But I'd have done the same in his situation. I don't really know if I should take comfort from that. I already forgave 'im. Doubt I ever could hold a grudge against a face like that.

It seems as though the sun has begun its descent, leavin' the sky a desolate orange hue. My first day back in Five had been nothin' less of a disaster. The suffocating atmosphere was so different than the salty air I'd been accustomed to for the greater part of eight years. I was still pantin' from getting all worked up before, unable to catch m breath as it seemed there wasn't as much oxygen as burnt coal hangin' about.

I don't think I'll ever regret comin' back here though. All I've gotta do is look at the little boy standin' in front of me and every regret leaves me in an instant. Maybe he's an oblivious motherfucker who ain't got no interest in me, but I couldn't give two shits. I gotta make up for leavin' him like I did. For letting him down. I'll always love him, no matter what happens. Bein' a friend is better than nothing at all, of that I am sure. I hope.

'Cause I can't help but wonder what made me unworthy of his love. Why'd I look at him with such amazement when all he sees is a loudmouth brat who he's known since practically birth.

~~That's all you are.~~

We'd changed so much in eight years, and somehow not at all. I could still see that little boy who was made to clean up my mess. Still see the tears that'd well up in his eyes every damned time someone dared to hurt him. Yet, I think I've cried more than he these past weeks.

Here he was, standin' in front of me a full grown man. More perfect than I ever imagined. Quite honestly I can only think of one thing when my eyes glue themselves to his.

I'm in love.
\

the m o o n controls the t i d e, it could cause you to d r o w n

Python
Retired Staff

4,515 POSTS

Pronouns: She/Her
last seen Oct 27, 2024 23:26:22 GMT -5

l i a r s and t h i e v e s {Ezrabel} Jun 22, 2014 23:35:11 GMT -5

Post by Python on Jun 22, 2014 23:35:11 GMT -5

E Z A B E L

Ezra returned the embrace, and it made him feel warm inside. It was comforting how quickly their anger could dissipate because of a few shared words and a simple touch. It was solid proof that the two of them could overcome any setbacks in their unbalanced relationship, even after eight years of separation and growth. It made Ezabel smile despite his best friend’s words. Of course Ezra expected to dwell alone in the streets like a lonesome rat; Ezabel had lied to him about Ms. Bo and warm beds and free food in his belly. There was still that bundle of guilt gnawing the inner linings of his heart, but there was no fixing his bad choices or erasing his lies. There was only forgiveness and forgetting, so they could get a move on with their lives. He would rather keep Ezra company anyway. Why live in the safety of a shelter while his best friend lay exposed to weather and criminals and starvation? Salmon wasn’t enough of a guard cat to protect him. There was safety and comfort in numbers, just like old times.

Ezra was sifting through his tent again, insistent on keeping his only blanket out of reach. It wasn’t very warm, and the odor could be really bothersome to a sensitive nose, but it wouldn’t cause him any harm. Dirty blankets don’t get you sick, Ezra, he wanted to say, but there was no reason to argue about it. Ezra would be too stubborn to accept the fact that Ezabel had been sleeping with this blanket for almost a year without incident. It was just a harmless, tattered old blanket, and now Ezra was ruining it with the bottom of his shoe.

He abruptly stood up and scolded him. ”Ezra!” But then the boy pulled a nice-looking quilt out of his bag. It was thick, neat and soft, enough to make a winter’s night bearable by the looks of it. There was no denying where it came from though; he knew Ezra couldn’t have purchased it. He hadn’t had the time or the money. ”Stealing is wrong,” he said, watching Ezra maneuver inside the tent. He couldn’t dwell on the subject of stealing and morality for very long – not when there was a brand new clean blanket promising them warm nights in a thin tent. ”Thank you. I really like it.” He crawled inside the tent and scooted up next to him, running his hand across the fabric of the quilt. It was fleecy and thick, better than any piss blanket. He couldn’t wait to wrap himself inside of it after the sun disappeared and the moon borrowed its perch.

It would be strange sleeping next to another body after so long. It would take time to adjust himself to the sound of another’s breathing and Salmon’s soft purrs. With only one pillow and two heads it would be rather awkward bunched up next to each other, but at least it would be warm. ”Oh! We need to get you a toothbrush,” he suddenly remembered. His was always sitting in a plastic baggie in the corner next to a half-empty tube of toothpaste; donations from the generous public. Dental hygiene was more important than anyone realized, and he refused to go anywhere near Ezra’s face if he had filthy breath. ”But no stealing.” He couldn’t tolerate law-breaking either. What if Peacekeepers came knocking at his tent? No, they couldn’t even knock. They would just tear it open and yank them out like children.

Ezabel returned his stare and smiled. Ezra had dark eyes, darker than chocolate but not as black as an evening sky. They always seemed to darken even further when he was angry – which was admittedly a lot of the time – but they were nice. They reminded him of home, their real home. He reached out and pushed at the corners of Ezra’s lips with two fingers, forcing them upward into a smile. ”Try to be happy,” he said. Their situation wasn’t so hopeless, after all. Before he left to volunteer he had been planning for a while to start looking for a part-time job. Obviously it couldn’t involve reading or writing, but that was okay. He could perform hands-on duties, like on oil rigs or farms. Ezra could look for one too, and then they would have real income. They could save up for an apartment, for something permanent. At least pretend to be happy, Ezra, because things would start to look up soon. One smile was all it would take.

template by chelsey

Last Edit: Jun 22, 2014 23:38:59 GMT -5 by Python

[nyte]
Head RP Tutor

4,678 POSTS

Pronouns: he/him
last seen Nov 15, 2024 13:09:48 GMT -5

oof

l i a r s and t h i e v e s {Ezrabel} Jun 25, 2014 15:10:05 GMT -5

Post by [nyte] on Jun 25, 2014 15:10:05 GMT -5

{i really fucked it up this time;

"Stealing is wrong." I give my head a shake, smilin' like a complete fool. 'Course Ezabel would worry about ethics in a situation like this. "Thank you, I really like it." He crawls inta the tent sittin' close enough to make my heart beat about a thousand times faster. Forcin' my eyes to the floor, a deep red hue makes its way to my cheeks. It'd never occurred to me until now that when evening fell we'd be this close the whole night. After all, I could only spot one dingy pillow lying on the tent ground. Looks like the grass'd make as good a pillow as any. No way I'd be able to sleep with his face so close ta my own.

Don't think I'd be doin' much sleeping anyway. Even if I hadn't had a real nice place to call home for the greater part of a year, I'd always had a couch to hide out on. Never truly out on the streets for too long, 'specially in the summer heat. How long had Eza been sleepin' out here? On nothin' but a dingy blanket. All alone...

I couldn't bring myself to think about it. Made me want to embrace him and apologize for about the thousandth time since our reunion. And I'm pretty sure he was tired a' hearin' about it. For me, there ain't a day that goes by I don't wonder what coulda been. But fuck I'm so glad he's here right now. I jus' wanna bury my face in his shoulder, wrap my arms around him and wait for night to fall. Keep him as safe as I can manage our first night of reunion, back in the home I'd always belonged to.

Don't dare to touch him, however. Not after the stunt I'd pulled weeks prior. Scared me to death that any embrace I initiated would be taken as some romantic advance on this innocent shit. Hell, maybe it was. Couldn't be sure of anything these days. But, it's best to let him make the first move, now that it was obvious he didn't want me. Painful as that was.

”Oh! We need to get you a toothbrush,” Ezabel's sudden exclamation is almost comical. This boy was too much. Shit like that was important, of course, but- "But no stealing." My head shakes of its own accord, amusement and exasperation released in one gentle motion.

"Yeah, no stealing. I repeat, in half-hearted agreement. It wasn't a complete lie, no stealing unless it was completely necessary. Food was somethin' he needed a lot of, bein' a growing boy and all. I'll be damned if I let him starve just 'cause Ezabel was morally opposed ta it. "Promise." My eyes don't meet his as I speak, stuck onta the same spot they've been since Ezabel decided to press his shoulder against mine. Fuck this was harder than I though. Denyin' every feeling I'd ever had for this boy.

I'd always thought that the minute I got up the courage to finally tell him 'bout everything, he'd tell me he felt the same. Smile that dazzlin' smile and kiss me like I'd always wanted. Too selfish to even think that I'd be on this end of things. Rejected, stuck the best friend I never wanted to be.

When he touches me, my body goes rigid. Eza's fingers run across my lips an' force 'em into an upwards position. "Try to be happy." My hand touched his, gently bringing it down from my lips, leavin' the smile in place. I don't dare keep my hand around his too long, but I allow it to linger, warmth like I'd never felt spreading with every frantic heartbeat.

"Little shit." I mutter, unable to keep a laugh from bubblin' within my voice. "I am happy." I mean it too. As bad a situation we were in, as angry and upset I got, I truly was happy. "I just ain't too good at showin' it to ya." I'd gladly spend the rest of my life "just friends". Long as it meant I'd be in his life.

After all, who knew what could happen in a couple've years? Maybe by then we'd have a job, sleep in our on rooms in a house. Stealin' and freezin' would be a thing of the past. Salmon could have that plush bed I'd promised him, a can o' food every evening. Swear I'd teach myself to read an' write, become somethin' respectable in these parts. More than a bum, hell more than Ezabel's protector. ~~hopefully more to him as well.~~

Maybe they weren't right now, but I was sure things'd look up for us. Eventually. So if it took sleepin' in a tent for some odd years, sharin' it was a little boy and a grumpy cat, so be it. I loved the both of 'em to death. And I know there are worse places to be than huddled up next to the things you care for.
\

Last Edit: Jun 25, 2014 15:13:45 GMT -5 by [nyte]

the m o o n controls the t i d e, it could cause you to d r o w n

Python
Retired Staff

4,515 POSTS

Pronouns: She/Her
last seen Oct 27, 2024 23:26:22 GMT -5

l i a r s and t h i e v e s {Ezrabel} Jun 27, 2014 0:56:51 GMT -5

Post by Python on Jun 27, 2014 0:56:51 GMT -5

E Z A B E L

He felt lighter than air, as if every burden had been lifted from his aching shoulders. “Little shit” sounded like an insult to most, but to him it was a term of endearment. Ezra was not as transparent as he was; his manner of expressing emotion and affection were unique and sometimes difficult to read, perhaps disturbing to an outsider’s perspective, but after eight years of living within the same roof and sleeping in the same bedroom and playing in the same backyard Ezabel was immune to his best friend’s aggressive mannerisms. Neither of them had changed significantly during the eight-year timespan of solitude. Ezra was still the same boisterous fireball with poor social skills, and Ezabel was still an awkward introvert with sad survival skills, although he was much more secretive than he used to be. There were pieces of his life that he would rather keep hidden from a concerned Ezra – like the miserable foster home he had abandoned, the orphanage they had stuck him in, and Ms. Bo and his cowardly stunt that had been meant to distance himself from anymore untrustworthy orphan houses and foster families. He didn’t want to reveal the truth about his new found lack of trust. He didn’t want to tell Ezra that he was some pathetic runaway.

”Just smile,” he replied in a breathy chuckle, bringing his hand back to settle on the floor next to Salmon, whose constant purring had become tranquil background noise along with rustling leaves and the gentle rippling of tent fabric. The sounds of nature were his lullabies every evening and his alarms every morning, birds and crickets and squirrels alike, always stirring and chirping about in their homes. Back in Ms. Bo’s house he had always been forced to listen to coughs and wheezes through the wall, and in the foster family before that it was either the whispers of restless children or deafening silence. Outside the noises were a consistent stream, nothing too sudden or frightening as long as the skies were clear of storm clouds. Now he would be sleeping to the sound of Ezra’s relaxed breaths – a song he had missed – and Salmon’s adorable purrs. He would feel right at home.

”You look better when you smile.” It was meant as an innocent compliment, because a sincere smile from Ezra was rare, he would always remember that. Now that he had returned Ezabel wanted to cherish those smiles. The way he flashed his teeth, the way his skin around his eyes crinkled, the way he shined like a second sun as his dark eyes found lost luster. It made his chest flutter with excitement. A happy Ezra was the only Ezra he wanted to see, especially in this cruel world. How else were two little homeless boys going to survive? With confidence and with optimism, with teamwork and with support. For the first time in a long time he felt happy, truly happy, as if every hole in his heart had been mended and filled. Maybe he could forget all of the bad times and replace them with Ezra.

A faint rumbling in his stomach erased his smile, and he glanced down bashfully at his disgruntled abdomen. After his experience in Ten receiving two meals a day plus a snack break during labor, it would take a while for his stomach to adjust to a less fortunate life. He had a solution for the problem, however. It was temporary, but it would suffice. ”Wanna go to the soup kitchen for some food?” He tried to sound hopeful so he could sell the idea well to his stubborn best friend. He wondered if Ezra had visited any soup kitchens in Four. ”It’s not far from here, maybe like a ten minute walk.” He stood up and offered his hand.

template by chelsey

[nyte]
Head RP Tutor

4,678 POSTS

Pronouns: he/him
last seen Nov 15, 2024 13:09:48 GMT -5

oof

l i a r s and t h i e v e s {Ezrabel} Jun 30, 2014 21:52:54 GMT -5

Post by [nyte] on Jun 30, 2014 21:52:54 GMT -5

E Z R A

"You look better when you smile."

I'm showin' teeth now cheeks starting to ache the longer I held my grin. One eyebrow raised above the other as I fix the hair swept by the harsh winds and dampened by meaningless tears. "That so?" I'd say I was blushin' if guys like me did such a thing. It was meant as an innocent compliment, that I know. Somethin' to make me feel better after the complete shit show I'd thrown earlier. There's no harm in pretendin', however. Eyes like his were one in a million, all blue an' shiny. Got lost in 'em every time he looked at me. What was the harm of imagining a boy like he, soft brown hair and all, could think I was... okay lookin'? ~~'cause he never actually will~~

Still can't get the yearnin' to hold him outta my head. Took all my willpower to force my hands into my lap an' stop them from searchin' for his. Gotta keep tellin' myself he don't want me. If I have to bash my fucking head against the wall just to get that to stick into whatever brain I had, ripred I'll do it. Just appreciate him from a distance, just accept he'll never feel the same. Fuck's sake why was it so hard to do?!

He was too good for the likes of me anyways.

We'd been sitting in silence for a while, I was in no hurry to break it. 'Stead I closed my eyes and soaked in the realization that we could never be separated again. Nothin' short of Ripred himself could take me away from my Ezabel, never again. Almost fell into a stupor before he broke the silence.

”Wanna go to the soup kitchen for some food?”

Fuck yeah.

”It’s not far from here, maybe like a ten minute walk.”

Don't know what he was doin' explaining much of anything. I was just as hungry as he. It'd been a long while since I'd last eaten, I could feel my stomach doing flips and flops in protest, just about threatening to eat me alive if I didn't sate it's hunger.

Ezabel stands, holdin' out his hand just like when we were kids. It'd meant nothin' as tykes, everyone just brushed it off as childhood innocence. No eight year old was gonna understand anything about sexuality and relationships. Was just a thing kids did. Didn't Eza understand what things would seem, us walkin' round town holding hands? Did he know what it meant?

My honest guess was no. He seemed straight as an arrow and I ain't exaggerating either. Would hurt his chances once we found him a proper home, when we could worry about shit like love and friends. All the girls would think he was... like me. Y'know, playing for the other team. I couldn't, in good conscious, take his hand without makin' sure. No matter how much I wanted.

"Ezabel you know what that's gonna look like." I mutter, standin' and dusting off my pants. "People 'round here will get the wrong idea." I guess guys like me really can blush "About us and stuff." since you seemed so opposed to us a few weeks ago.

Had I not kissed him, I don't think I'd have given two fucks about what others thought. Id've grabbed his hand in a heartbeat, allowin' him to take me out to a nice dinner. Well, as nice as a dinner at the homeless house could be. Just another way I've ruined shit with my impulsive stupidity, I s'pose.

My eyes are planted firmly on the ground, my cheeks growin' warmer with every passing second. It seemed to stretch on hours, allowing my mind to race and analyze like never before. Who was I, to act all high an' mighty, convincin' myself the only reason I bring this up is 'cause I'm worried about him. I wanted-needed to see his reaction. If not just to give myself a little more hope.

'Cause thats what I really needed right now.

[template by elegant]

Last Edit: Jun 30, 2014 21:54:41 GMT -5 by [nyte]

the m o o n controls the t i d e, it could cause you to d r o w n

Python
Retired Staff

4,515 POSTS

Pronouns: She/Her
last seen Oct 27, 2024 23:26:22 GMT -5

l i a r s and t h i e v e s {Ezrabel} Jul 1, 2014 1:48:20 GMT -5

Post by Python on Jul 1, 2014 1:48:20 GMT -5

E Z A B E L

I don’t understand. What did he mean by ‘what it’s gonna look like’? Two homeless boys walking to a soup kitchen was what it would look like. ”People might get the wrong idea…about us.” Ezabel blinked at him, waiting for him to grab his hand so they could leave. He suddenly glanced down at his outstretched arm and furrowed his eyebrows. He hadn’t even realized how childish the gesture was – sure, they would walk to school hand in hand when they were just kids (when they were actually going to school), but that was when they were eight years old. They were older now, more mature, and holding hands meant something entirely different to two teenage boys. He almost felt embarrassed. It was such a stupid thing to do. How could he forget? Things are different now. It’s not like back when we were kids.

He didn’t lower his hand.

He defiantly raised it higher instead, because something about Ezra’s reddened cheeks and bashful expression made him angry. Not the “I hate you right now” type of angry, but the “you shouldn’t think that way because that’s stupid” kind. Why did he care about what other people thought? He had never been so concerned with a stranger’s opinions before. He was usually quick to criticize anyone who tried to judge them, so what had changed? Was it because of the stunt back in District Ten? He kissed me, I remember that. And they hadn’t mentioned it since the incident, mostly because Ezra had expressed shame and regret on the matter while Ezabel had no clue what to think about those kinds of feelings. But why would it upset him if others happened to think of them as a couple? They were just friends, sure, but misunderstandings happened. It wasn’t embarrassing or anything, right? Am I embarrassing to him? No, that sounded silly, he couldn’t think like that. If Ezra could read minds he would kick his ass for thinking that.

”I don’t care,” he said, grabbing Ezra’s hand despite the oddity of it. ”What we are is none of their business, and what they think of us is none of our business.” He wasn’t sure if that made sense, but it sounded right in his head. He would not let Ezra feel ashamed of anything. He didn’t want to feel anything himself while they walked to the soup kitchen. Besides, who was going to stare at two homeless boys? They were practically invisible to the public eye. Nobody would care to acknowledge them, let alone contemplate their relationship. Nobody would ask them questions or anything like that. Ezra was worried for nothing.

When they rounded a final corner to reach their destination he could taste the aroma of boiling broth wafting through the humid air, and his stomach grumbled in protest. ”Oi, Ezzy!” a gruff voice shouted from his left side, and when he turned his head he spotted an older man in a grey hoodie and a red beanie, scooping spoonfuls of soup out of a half-empty bowl. He knew that face. "Mister Smalls!” He smiled and waved with his free hand, grateful to see that the man was still being fed, although it was never relieving to see the same face in a homeless environment time and time again. The hope was that one would see less familiar faces, and less people in general.

”Got yourself a new friend there?” he smiled and revealed his gold tooth, framed by a greying beard and an unshaven mustache.

”Yeah, this is Ezra. We used to live together a long time ago.”

”Ahh. Well you better get in there quick you two, before they run outta them tasty rolls!”

His face lit up like a diamond in the sun. ”The ones with the butter on them?” He unwittingly squeezed Ezra’s hand out of excitement.

”The very ones! Now go on in, git!” He shooed them away with his spoon, skin pulled back into a wrinkled smile. Ezabel returned the smile and went for the door as a new wave of delicious aromas invaded their noses. ”I can’t wait for you to try the rolls, they’re the best ones you’ll ever eat!” He led Ezra inside and walked to the back of the line, relieved that it wasn’t too backed up, then let go of his hand to grab an empty tray.

template by chelsey

Last Edit: Jul 1, 2014 1:50:02 GMT -5 by Python

[nyte]
Head RP Tutor

4,678 POSTS

Pronouns: he/him
last seen Nov 15, 2024 13:09:48 GMT -5

oof

l i a r s and t h i e v e s {Ezrabel} Jul 4, 2014 22:23:27 GMT -5

Post by [nyte] on Jul 4, 2014 22:23:27 GMT -5

{with our back to the wall;

""I don't care." He grabs my hand, makin' my heart race something awful. "What we are is none of their business, and what they think of us is none of our business." I wanna cry, or laugh or somethin' along those lines. What he said made me happier than it should've. Did he really not care what I'd done? Could we just erase the mistake I'd made and just be friends? As much as I hated the idea, I loved it. My fingers entwine with his an' I don't think I ever want to let go.

"Yeah." I mumble, eyes fixed upon our hands, "Fuck 'em.

Allowin' Eza to take me away, I find myself lost in thought as we walk, the streets like some hazy memory of a place I'd missed. Ezabel's hand in mine was a like a badge of honor, I felt myself pullin' him closer to me with every step we took. Not letting myself care what it looked like, tryin' not to think about what I wanted it to look like. After all, I could die happy sleepin' next to him even if that was all that ever happened. Beside, who else would protect a shit like him?

I don't recall most of the walk towards the kitchen, simply let my mind wander while Ezabel led me to the promise of warmth and food. A night with a full stomach was the best kind of night. I'd hadn't had a home for a long time now. A place that was mine, that I could always return to after days of wandering aimlessly about a district I didn't belong. I could always beg for scraps, work all day for a warm bed and then be left to figure out what to do with the rest of my lonely hours.

Being here, being with him was the best thing I could have asked for. My hand tightens around his, desperate for an anchor to the world. Proof that this was all real, and that I was finally home. "Oi, Ezzy!" My head snaps upwards, realization that we'd arrived at our destination hittin' me like a gust a' wind. The man was old, adorned in the most unprofessional garb you could imagine.

I liked him.

"Mister Smalls!" I'd almost forgotten that Eza was a regular here. 'Course he would know 'em by name. Nonetheless, I feel a twinge of guilt. After all, it was my fault he had to depend on this place for his meals. My eyes focus on nothin' as Ezabel exchanges pleasantries with the man behind the counter. I've never been one for socializin' as human interaction seemed so pointless. Everyone left you in the end. People got bored of you, couldn't even be bothered to say goodbye before they left. The world can be cruel like that. I've never felt comfortable enough with anyone to force 'em to stay.

Besides, not many people could put up with the likes of me. Big mouth and a bad attitude to match, I had little patience for those I thought annoying or stupid. Honestly, I has little patience for anyone apart from Ezabel. Given how often I lost my temper with him, I'd say that meant somethin'. I'd be civil, however, for the little man clutching my hand. That is, if they treat him with due respect. ~~And stay at least an arm's length away.~~

"The ones with the butter on them?" Ezabel's tightened grip startles me, the excitement in his voice as confusing as ever. Why would he be so excited about something so commonplace as butter? Were things really that bad here in Five? I opened my mouth, probably to mumble an awkward thank you to the man who'd been conversin' with Eza for ripred knows how long, but he was already shooing us away. Relieved I wouldn't have to even speak to "Mister Smalls" I allowed myself to be led by Ezabel once more.

”I can’t wait for you to try the rolls, they’re the best ones you’ll ever eat!" Ezabel was enthusiastic as we filed into line, grabbin' trays and preparing for this apparently god-like meal.

"That good, hmm?" I nudge him gently, my head accidently restin' upon his shoulder for a split second. Oops.

We make our way through the line, along with the plentiful other homeless folk desperate for their next meal. I had to admit the smell of cookin' bread was nothing less that intoxicating. Finally emerging with the oh so fantastic buttered rolls, I drag him to one of the empty tables set up in the back of the kitchen. Assumin' no adult would want to be near some snot-nosed kids, we'd have our privacy to eat alone.

"You're pretty adorable when you're excited." Fuck. There goes me, being a stupid shit. Was bound to happen sooner or later. "In a really lame way, nerd." I give him a grin, hopin' it'd be taken as a joke and nothing more.

Last Edit: Jul 4, 2014 22:25:03 GMT -5 by [nyte]

the m o o n controls the t i d e, it could cause you to d r o w n

Python
Retired Staff

4,515 POSTS

Pronouns: She/Her
last seen Oct 27, 2024 23:26:22 GMT -5

l i a r s and t h i e v e s {Ezrabel} Jul 26, 2014 1:48:46 GMT -5

Post by Python on Jul 26, 2014 1:48:46 GMT -5

E Z A B E L

They maneuvered through the line rather quickly, the volunteers cheerfully pouring soup into their bowls and setting plates of rolls on top their treys as they chattered among themselves. Ezabel was practically bouncing on his heels by the time they were on their way to take a seat. Ezra led him to a secluded table near the back of the kitchen, vacant and purposely shoved into the farthest corner to make use of every inch of space. Ezabel didn’t mind; he knew Ezra wasn’t big on socializing. He had hated it as a kid, so he imagined that things weren’t much different now. He wouldn’t pressure his best friend into making friends at an establishment like this. If he wanted to make new friends he could do it on his own time, or if he needed help Ezabel would happily introduce him to some of the regulars. They were all nice people.

”You're pretty adorable when you're excited.” He was biting into a roll when Ezra said it, and it made him smile as he chewed the buttery dough to bits. ”In a really lame way, nerd,” he added. Ezabel waited until he was finished swallowing the first half of the roll to reply. ”It’s not lame,” he said, a bigger smile creeping its way to his lips. So what if he was a little enthusiastic about the bread? It was free food for homeless people! The charity was a blessing to the young and old alike. In fact, he was pretty sure that it was more difficult to scavenge food as an adult because people never pitied them. Only children and teenagers attracted sympathy, as if turning into an adult stripped one of their innocence and forced them into responsibility. Ezabel didn’t know when he would be ready for that, but it would be awhile until he was an adult. I’m sure we’ll have a nice warm home by then.

”You’re lame,” was his comeback, and he immediately tried to treat his embarrassment by slurping his soup rather loudly out of the bowl. It tasted like salt, vegetables and heaven in one brothy mixture. He didn’t even need a spoon to consume it. It was more civilized to use silverware, but he had always noticed the other kids his age drinking it straight from the bowl, so he took to their habits. It was more efficient to indulge that way.

”So what do you think of the food?” He asked between slurps, licking the extra broth from his lips before reaching for a napkin. He needed to know if Ezra liked this place or not – or really, he needed Ezra to enjoy this place so he wouldn’t have to return by himself. As much as he liked some of the people here, he was not the best at creating lasting friendships. In the end it was always “fend for yourself.” But with Ezra they could take care of each other. He would finally have somebody to watch his back again, and it was the most comforting thing he could ask for. Why try to make new friendx when he had Ezra by his side? Ezra was the only friend he would ever need, forever.

template by chelsey

[nyte]
Head RP Tutor

4,678 POSTS

Pronouns: he/him
last seen Nov 15, 2024 13:09:48 GMT -5

oof

l i a r s and t h i e v e s {Ezrabel} Jul 30, 2014 21:24:47 GMT -5

Post by [nyte] on Jul 30, 2014 21:24:47 GMT -5

E Z R A

"So what if I am." I stick my tongue out at him, placing the half-eaten roll back on a bright red tray. I'm not too hungry right now, my spoon swirls the frothy liquid about the bowl halfheartedly. It wasn't that I disliked the food, after all it was much better than I'd had in at least a year. My eyes were too busy watchin' Ezabel to even bother with the food below my nose. The ghost of a smile traces the corners of my mouth, hand supporting my head.

It's like the world has melted around me, leavin' only the rapid thrumming of my heart and the beautiful boy sat across from me. I didn't need a home or a belly full a' sweets as long as I had him. I wanna wrap my arms around him, protect him from whatever the world dares throw at us. I'd already missed enough of his life. I could see it in his eyes, how livin' on the streets had taken his innocence like the greedy son of a bitch it was.

"So what do you think of the food?" I can feel my body stiffen, like a child caught with his hand in the cookie jar. In a desperate attempt to save my ass, I shove the buttered role in my mouth, trying to make it look as though I'd been eating this whole time.

"Fufkeng greaft." I manage, locking my fingers together and forcing my eyes upon them. Blood once again rushes to my cheeks, and probably everywhere else in my body too. Taking large gulps of water to help the dry bread down my throat, nearly chokin' myself along the way, I try to make sense of what I was gonna say. A few rushed coughs later, I can finally breathe again. ~~Or as well as I can with such a breathtaking sight across from me.~~

"It's great, I mean." I let out a nervous laugh, fingers raking through tangled hair. My hand lands on the table, somewhere close to his own. Just enough so that my fingertips brush his and my heart just about leaps outta my throat.

Immediately, I want more. So was my nature, even as a kid. One piece was not enough, never enough. Impulsive and stupid, I'd never given a second thought to taking what I ~~wanted~~ needed.

That hasn't changed.

My hand wraps around his, arm extended over the table to reach him. By this time, I'm smilin' so wide my eyes are nearly shut. His palm is warm and familiar, gentle against my own. It was surreal, seein' that his hand was bigger than my own. Ezabel was always so small as a kid, so cute. Never in my wildest dreams did I think he would surpass me in height. The shit was still as scrawny as ever, however. My brow furrows at the thought of him goin' nights without eating.

"Your h-hand was cold." I mutter, in a voice nothing like my own. Ezra wasn't timid, nor one to stumble over his words.

Then again, Ezabel brings out an entirely different side of me. One I'm startin' to like more and more every day.
[template by elegant]

the m o o n controls the t i d e, it could cause you to d r o w n

Python
Retired Staff

4,515 POSTS

Pronouns: She/Her
last seen Oct 27, 2024 23:26:22 GMT -5

l i a r s and t h i e v e s {Ezrabel} Aug 6, 2014 15:30:06 GMT -5

Post by Python on Aug 6, 2014 15:30:06 GMT -5

E Z A B E L

There was something endearing about watching Ezra talk with bread stuffed in his cheeks. It forced a giggle out of his lungs, like it was cute to watch him try and devour too much at one time. He shook his head when Ezra coughed and sputtered while gulping water, and tried to hide his smile as he stuffed more spoonfuls of broth and vegetables between his lips. ”It’s great, I mean,” Said Ezra, and he suddenly felt something tickling his fingers. He paused his mealtime with the spoon stuck in his mouth and glanced down at their hands. Hadn’t Ezra considered it an issue not ten minutes ago when they were walking to this place hand in hand? Maybe Ezabel had sparked his confidence, because now Ezra was reaching across the table to hold his hand like it was the simplest thing in the world.

Ezabel looked back at his trey and continued to slurp soup. It was awkward to eat with both elbows on the table, one occupied by a spoon and the other by Ezra’s palm. ”Your h-hand was cold,” his best friend insisted, and it made him chuckle into his water cup, nearly spitting impolitely into the liquid. ”Your hand is colder,” he replied, finishing off the last of his beverage with just two more large gulps. His trey had been completely cleaned in a matter of minutes, and he was starting to feel it all stir in the pit of his neglected stomach. ”I think I ate too fast,” he mumbled, but he didn’t want to worry him so he cracked a small smile for reassurance. ”Oh well, it’s not that bad.”

He waited in silence for Ezra to finish his meal, all too aware of the hand cupping his own. It was one thing to hold hands on a walk – that was normal, because Ezabel had been leading him toward their destination. But this felt strange. Unless Ezra was offering comfort, it seemed a bit odd to be holding hands during a meal. It reminded him of the buried incident in Ten, and the sudden affections Ezra had displayed as a sealing to their union. Was this part of that little incident? He scrunched his brow and stared at their mingling hands. Sweat was starting together, and he wasn’t sure if it was Ezra’s or his own. He was still stranded with uncertainty. Whether Ezra pursued him like that or not, there was nothing Ezabel could do but wonder what his own feelings were, and how he could sort them in the meantime.

”You ready to go?” He asked, because he figured Ezra didn’t want to linger in a place like this. Normally Ezabel would sit with friends and make small talk over mundane manners, but those had been the nights he craved company, when he had grown exhausted after dwelling in his own thoughts for so long. He had purposely sought the company of others to fill a void in his chest. Now that cave in his heart had been filled by Ezra, and since their meeting in Ten he had yet to feel lonely. He would still love to chat with some of his acquaintances here, but he didn’t want to drag Ezra into any uncomfortable situations. He knew his best friend better than anyone, after all, and he didn’t perform well in social environments. Ezabel could say the same about himself, but he had gotten better at it. Now he considered himself a bit of a social butterfly.

It was nice to feel different.

template by chelsey

[nyte]
Head RP Tutor

4,678 POSTS

Pronouns: he/him
last seen Nov 15, 2024 13:09:48 GMT -5

oof

l i a r s and t h i e v e s {Ezrabel} Aug 7, 2014 16:01:16 GMT -5

Post by [nyte] on Aug 7, 2014 16:01:16 GMT -5

E Z R A

I was always shit at hiding my emotions. Whether it be a tellin' glint in my eyes or urges I simply lacked the discipline to restrain, my heart has been sewn on my sleeve since the day I was born. As many times I tried to assure Ezabel that my actions were nothin' of the romantic sort, we both knew it was a crock of shit.

The soup remains unfinished in front of me, the flopping sensation within my gut doing little for my appetite. "You ready to go?" Even the sound of his voice sends shivers down my spine. Was I making him uncomfortable? Was he, like I, recalling that moment in Ten?

The thoughts plagued me like a storm. Constant anxieties over how I looked and acted, the way I held myself and spoke. My hand released his in an instant, falling onto my lap in resignation. I s'pose I really never did know when to give up. "You're warmer now." I mutter, still stickin' to the pathetic excuse I'd used to close the distance between us once again.

It's all I can to resist the urge to hit myself. If I had a dollar for every time I'd made a fool of myself in the past week, I'd be able to buy Ezabel and I the apartment of our dreams. It wasn't my place to be so selfish, after all. Ezabel's happiness was far superior to my own. He was my little man, sure. I'd love him till the day I died. I just had to accept I'd always love him more than he loved me.

"I should get back to Salmon." A cocky grin snakes its way onto my lips. My legs force themselves upwards, hands dusting stray crumbs off of my clothes. "If you're still hungry, stay and eat. I've got some left over. 'Sides you probably got some catching up to do right? Losta stories to tell your friends an' all."

I don't want to leave him. Instincts fight me tooth and nail as I force myself to turn around. Pullin' an oversized jacket around me, I sink into it's comfort. Maybe if I tried hard enough, I could disappear into it completely. My movements are stiff and halted, as though walking away from Ezabel was physically painful. In some ways, it was.

But I needed to give him this choice. Eza wasn't some little kid anymore, not someone who needed protection from the likes a' me. There was no way in hell I'd ever leave his side, but hoverin' over him like I'd been would only push him away. I couldn't force him to love me as much as he could force me not to. Life's a bitch, and sometimes you just gotta accept that. Unrequited advances would only make it worse for the both of us.

The optimist in me shoulda been killed long ago. For a long while, I thought it was good as dead. Soon as Angel's body was carried out of that little cottage, soon as I realized I'd never get to say goodbye 'cause I was a fugitive in those lands, I'd felt as dark as any. The year I spent on my own was one of numb survival. I didn't have to think, and I certainly didn't have to feel. 'Course Ezabel had to come into the picture and fuck everything up. With that innocent smile and those stunning eyes. He'd brought me back to life in a way I'd never thought possible.

Hard as I tried not to look back, to walk out the doors in stony silence and let Ezabel choose what he wanted I found my legs frozen in place. My head turned ever so slightly, so I could barely see him out of the corners of my eyes. My hand, once buried deep within worn pockets, has fallen into harsh summer air.

And there it stayed, cold and empty despite the blazing heat.

[and as the world comes
to an end
i'll be there to hold your hand
'cause you're my king
and i'm your lionheart;

Last Edit: Aug 7, 2014 16:16:42 GMT -5 by [nyte]

the m o o n controls the t i d e, it could cause you to d r o w n

Info

Panem Post (98th Games ed.)

Links

Staff

97th Hunger Games Victor

Canon Directory

Monthly Spotlights

97th Tribute Quotes

Damage Calculator

Attack Lookup

Word Count

l i a r s and t h i e v e s {Ezrabel}

Post by [nyte] on Jun 13, 2014 4:46:02 GMT -5

Post by Python on Jun 13, 2014 22:58:08 GMT -5

Post by [nyte] on Jun 14, 2014 5:54:12 GMT -5

Post by Python on Jun 14, 2014 13:47:59 GMT -5

Post by [nyte] on Jun 17, 2014 23:53:58 GMT -5

Post by Python on Jun 22, 2014 23:35:11 GMT -5

Post by [nyte] on Jun 25, 2014 15:10:05 GMT -5

Post by Python on Jun 27, 2014 0:56:51 GMT -5

Post by [nyte] on Jun 30, 2014 21:52:54 GMT -5

Post by Python on Jul 1, 2014 1:48:20 GMT -5

Post by [nyte] on Jul 4, 2014 22:23:27 GMT -5

Post by Python on Jul 26, 2014 1:48:46 GMT -5

Post by [nyte] on Jul 30, 2014 21:24:47 GMT -5

Post by Python on Aug 6, 2014 15:30:06 GMT -5

Post by [nyte] on Aug 7, 2014 16:01:16 GMT -5